Congressional Tributes
Thank you for your support of the DREAM Act, and for selecting me as the recipient of the 2003 Civic Leadership Award. Orrin G. Hatch United States Senator	As a result of BCLI's tireless efforts, the standard of living and educational advancement for many Latinos, youth, families, and communities has vastly improved. Robert Menedez Member of Congress	I commend the way in which the [BCLI] Institute has chosen to continue Bert Corona's struggle of empowering disenfranchised communities. Howard L. Berman Member of Congress
Student Testimonials
Mr. Ernesto Ortiz Georgia •  President of Youth Board •  Born & immigrated from Mexico •  Scholarship at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College "BCLI became a very important part in my life in general. The program itself inspired me not to settle for anything else than excellence."	Ms. Brenda Corral Texas •  Born in Mexico and migrated to the U.S. •  Studying at New Mexico State University •  Member of Youth Board "Through BCLI, I had the opportunity of expressing some of the problems within my community to my Congressman Silvestre Reyes and my Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison. I would like to take what I have learned back to my community and share my knowledge."	Ms. Adriana Avila California •  EIDLP graduate/intern through the Career Development Program •  Earned Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from the University of California - Irvine •  Currently works for Congresswoman Mary Bono of Palm Springs, California "I have to say that my participation in BCLI gave me the necessary tools to succeed in life in every sense."

Programs like the Experience in Democracy Leadership Program help our newest citizens become leaders in our society. This kind of experience is crucial to the life of many migrants, because it helps them develop the necessary skills that can make them successful leaders and an example to their community.
— Solomon P. Ortiz, Member of Congress (TX)

I was amazed how much information about politics my students absorbed this week than what they learned in all their government and history classes
— Program Manager, Migrant Education, Region 1, TX

When I first heard of this program at the presentation to us in Manatee City, I was very excited that such a program existed for migrant students. The id ea that our students might one day be part of such a great experience has been a great dream of mine ever since then. Our “kids” have so much to offer and give back to this country that they themselves are one of our greatest untapped resources. Now that my “dream” has come true and several of them have been able to participate in this incredible experience thanks to the Experience Leadership in Democracy Program. I know that those who were here this week will give back boundlessly because they have been exposed and learned so much about how important and “special” each and everyone of them are and that they are an integral part of our government and our leaders of the future. There is little else I can wish for except that many more follow them in the future. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and I trust that I speak for all the students here this week they also thank you for touching them with inspiration and opening doors to them they didn’t realize were there.
— Laraine Batista, Class 114 Chaperone